Former This Life actor Ramon Tikaram has joined the cast of BBC soap EastEnders.

The 42-year-old actor, who played Ferdy Garcia in the '90s sitcom, recently signed up to appear in the role of Amira Shah's (Preeya Kalidas) father Qadim on the Walford drama.

Though he spoiled Amira as she was growing up, businessman Qadim now has a strained relationship with his daughter, stemming back from the sad loss of her mother Shahana years earlier. The devastating development caused him to change from a devoted family man to a ruthless entrepreneur with a bitter attitude and controlling streak.

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Viewers will see Qadim for the first time later this year when Amira visits him in prison, where he is serving time for dodgy business dealings. He then goes on to be released in time for her wedding to Syed Masood (Marc Elliott) and becomes determined to share his daughter's big day.

As the newcomer's icy exterior continues to make life difficult for Amira, Albert Square fans are left to wonder whether the beautician can ever be fully reconciled with her father and bring out his old self.

Speaking of his casting, Tikaram commented: "It's great to be joining a programme that represents a Muslim family in a positive light. It's also fantastic to be working with old friends including Nitin Ganatra (Masood Ahmed) and Preeya Kalidas."

As well as This Life, Tikaram has appeared in BBC daytime drama Moving On, ITV sci-fi hit Primeval and thriller series Silent Witness. He has also had a varied career on the stage.